This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1. 10:00 Meet up Hotel Takanawa
  • 2. 10:20 Hotel New Takanawa
  • 3. 11:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
  • 4. 12:50 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple)
  • 5. 15:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • 6. 15:55 Dismissal Shibuya

What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Imperial Palace East Gardens and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The tour began about 20 minutes late because the meeting point that had been specified differed from the actual place of stay. This appeared to be a mistake on the guests' side. There also seemed to be a misunderstanding that this tour would be conducted by a private car. On the walk from the hotel to the station, and at the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the tour proceeded somewhat slowly. The mood improved noticeably at Nakamise, when the guests found the ukiyo-e woodblock prints they had been looking for, and from that point onward things returned to normal. At the end, the guests kindly explained that they had not been feeling well and apologized. I carried out my guiding duties properly through to the end, so I do not expect any issues to arise.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayTakanawadai~Otemachi (Tokyo)220JPY
Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
Total660JPY

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…